London in December has a taste of Disneyland. As the song says in London, "Christmas is all around you" (Christmas is everywhere around you). The façades sparkle, we meet some people disguised as Santa Claus, fluffy plush bears as big as us in the windows, we hear Christmas carols in the shopping streets, and we have only one idea in mind: enjoy of this magical atmosphere with a good hot chocolate or a real "teatime" of Christmas.
Here are all things to do in London during the holidays:
- Enjoy the Christmas spirit as soon as Eurostar comes out
You leave the Eurostar at the Saint-Pancras station, you descend the escalator before returning to the hall, and oh, magic: you hear Christmas carols. Worthy of a real Love Actually scene, you will discover the talent of a pianist or listen to the seasonal chants of a volunteer choir installed in the entrance to immerse yourself in a festive spirit.
- Walking around the streets and looking around
London is immense and full of small decorative elements that make all the difference: taxis lay wreaths of fir on their beach-back, doors are dressed in Advent wreaths, passers-by dressed in Christmas sweaters, the illuminated trees can be found almost on every street corner ... In short, you travel in a magical world where everything is lighter.
- Watch the SantaCon London for an offbeat Christmas
For 16 years, the SantaCon has been organized in London. The concept is simple: participants dress up in a Santa costume and meet in the city to spread the good mood, share the Christmas spirit, distribute gifts and enjoy a few seasonal beers, not forgetting sing some songs from their Christmas playlist ...
- Go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Mi fun fair, mid Christmas market, Winter Wonderland is very famous in London. Between shows, rides, open skating rink, ferris wheel and market, Hyde Park is home to a wide variety of entertainment to satisfy the whole family. A tip: go there at nightfall (in London in winter, it is from 4:30 pm) to enjoy the nice lighting.
- Shopping at Harrod's
Feel the magic of Christmas in the department stores by visiting Harrod's, one of the most emblematic of the English capital. Everything begins with the exterior: admire the facade cleverly decorated with illuminations that one even notices by day. Generally, at the entrance, you will always find a singer who transmits his good mood, and some people disguised as Santa Claus, even Santa Claus himself.
Inside, cross the passages on the 2nd floor where there is a gallery dedicated to Christmas gifts. To escape the crowd, ask yourself a few moments in the tea room on the 5th floor, before starting again in the Christmas shopping.
- Get a Christmas Brunch
The brunch of the moment to discover: the Hilton Bankside Hotel located between Waterloo and Tate Modern. In the morning, walk to Big Ben and Parliament before crossing the bridge and arrive at the Hilton 100% design and cozy, perfect illustration of the Danish way of life, the Hygge.
Brunch program: choose between a self-service or a table service, enjoy the cozy atmosphere and a beautiful buffet presented in front of a majestic Christmas tree.
- Walking in Carnaby
Carnaby, this small "village" located about ten minutes walk from Oxford Street. Composed of small halls and passageways, all concentrated on four streets, Carnaby Street, Kingly Court and Beak Street, the place is very welcoming, above all because it is full of good addresses of all kinds, as well for the restaurants only for shops.
As for the restaurant, we run to Kingly Court where the cuisines of the world are represented, from the Japanese restaurant to the Spanish restaurant and the typical small cafes. The correct address of the corner? The restaurant Senor Ceviche which makes us discover the Peruvian cuisine. In the shop, there are no big chains here, but shops in the British sauce: Paul Smith, Ben Sherman, V & A, ST Studio, ...
- View a musical
Between the Lion King and Mamma Mia, there is no shortage of iconic musicals in London. If this type of outing is occasional, we go there especially during festivals because this kind of spectacle lends itself perfectly.
Presented in theaters not far from Covent Garden, they are worth the detour, promising a nice evening.
- Spend the afternoon in a large hotel for an afternoon tea
Do you know what a real afternoon tea looks like? Start by finding a large 100% British classic hotel where you will be in total immersion with English who make their HQ. Then order the "traditional christmas afternoon tea". The latter will be served with a tea of your choice and a lot of delicacies.
It starts with savory sandwiches, then scones accompanied with jam and buttercream before finishing with refined pastries, as aesthetic as tasty. For the occasion, a glass of champagne will be proposed to you.
You will discover a true ritual of "afternoon tea", magical and unforgettable. Tip: Go to the Grosvenor House Hotel. Located in front of Hyde Park, you can admire the sunset from the inside, before heading to the Winter Wonderland at nightfall (a 20 minute walk).
- Strolling to Oxford Street
What could be better than simply dreaming in front of the illuminations of the English streets? The most beautiful are in the shopping districts: Oxford Street, Picadilly and Regent Street.
It's a good time, you'll surely have a look at the emblematic Liberty, or Primark, just as emblematic, but not for the same reasons ...
If you imagine the destination too expensive, discover SNAP, the new digital platform (snap.eurostar.com) to enjoy the best rates of the Eurostar. Eurostar will choose the most suitable train from Eurostar to choose the date, time and destination.
Reservations open 7 days before the departure date, and tickets from Paris to London are now on sale at 33 euros one way (free for children under 4).
